IoT network planned for East Hampshire, UK

A local authority in Hampshire is to help develop a district-wide IoT network to provide local businesses with valuable information on environmental conditions, equipment location and more.

East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) is planning to launch an IoT network in the district and says it’s working with a local IoT start-up, Barter for Things, to bring its plans to fruition.

The proposed network involves the use of low-power, long-life sensors deployed by businesses in a bid to help them save thousands of pounds currently spent on manual monitoring and maintenance.

Data from sensors will be received by an array of antennae dotted around the district. Each antenna is 1.8 metres tall and 20 centimetres wide and agreements have been made to place antennae on public buildings to cover the whole county.

The idea for the project comes from entrepreneur Alex Barter of Barter for Things. He said the network can be used by almost any business that needs to track and measure data.

Helping track and measure data

“In simple terms, the network will let businesses place specially designed sensors, to measure any information they need, anywhere in the district,” he said.

“These sensors will then relay information back to the network which can then be accessed by the businesses. Sensors can be designed to measure anything – air temperature, humidity, water levels, or they can check the location of valuable equipment using GPS. Almost anything that can be measured,” he added.

“That will mean businesses can save time and money [because they’re not] making regular visits to gather data manually [and] can be assured they know where their equipment is and that it is working OK.

“This will have huge implications for businesses all round Hampshire and I want to thank EHDC for supporting me as I worked through the plan.”

The council has used one of its buildings, Penns Place in the market town of Petersfield, as a location for one of the network’s antennae and has supported Alex in getting the project started.

EHDC leader Ferris Cowper said: “Alex contacted our economic and commercial development teams to ask for help in setting up the network.

“We immediately saw the huge potential of his idea. The network will bring economic benefits for businesses that use the network and those that design and create the sensors,” added Cowper.

“East Hampshire District Council intends to be one of the most business-friendly councils in the country and so it’s vital we encourage local entrepreneurs like Alex and harness his knowledge of the technology and passion for the region.”

Rene Millman is a freelance writer and broadcaster who covers IoT, mobile technology, cloud, and infrastructure. In the past, he has also worked as an analyst for both Gartner and IDC. He has made numerous television appearances discussing the technology trends and companies that shape our lives.